off road

Have you heard of one of the sickest videos to hit the off-road truck scene? If not, you will soon. Desert Syndicate just teamed up with Total Video and iFilm on their latest video release.

“Wasteland Warriors II – Out of the Badlands” is an incredible look at the off-road scene. This film documents the insanity of going 100+mph, launching 150 feet with dust in the nose, sand in the eyes, and blind landings. The drivers are a crew born out of harsh environments like Baja, Glamis, Laughlin, and the Mojave desert. See never before seen camera angles, in car cams, off road terrain and features of the off road culture. More

Rebooted 4 Wheel Parts Riverside Store Hitting on All Cylinders
The 4 Wheel Parts Riverside, California store held a November 9 event to celebrate its new, state-of-the-art design. The event featured exclusive onsite discounts, giveaways, installation deals, and free food and entertainment. Referred to as store 2.0, the layout signals the dawning of a new era for 4 Wheel Parts. The revamped location’s leading edge design has interactive, hands-on displays, thousands more products, and areas for customers to learn more about products.
So far, the reboot has met with overwhelming approval from customers. “We’ve had great feedback from the public since the new design,” says Riverside Store Manager Robb Hadden. “Customers tell me they love the interaction and being able to actually touch the products. One guy said it’s not like walking into a Pep Boys where you wander the aisles – it’s more like Disneyland.”
The Riverside location upped its inventory so there is more product in stock on the floor. “The store gives a unique shopping experience closely related to Apple stores,” says Brent Goegebuer, Transamerican Auto Parts’ Marketing Director. “Our customers are staying there longer to try different things.”
Throughout North America, 4 Wheel Parts has over 60 retail outlets selling everything from products for trucks to Jeep Wrangler parts and accessories. All locations, including the Riverside store, have service bays with onsite installation by ASE-trained technicians.

“This marks the start of our retail locations advancing from a parts-focused sales model to a solutions based model,” says Kevin Rourke, 4 Wheel Parts Director, e-Commerce and Internet Operations. “Our retail space has been re-conceptualized to empower customers with informational displays, more learning tools about products, and a more interactive experience.”
The Riverside 4 Wheel Parts store is on the verge of launching an online Google virtual tour of its showroom, allowing users to navigate the premises and service bays. The interactive tour will present high resolution images of off-road 4×4 parts and accessories that will be shareable via social media.

“The Prodigy” Sheldon Creed and the OCCR crew made their way to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Rounds 13&14 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, where consistency is key and championship hopes are on the line.

Although the 2013 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season is almost a wrap, there is still a lot that can be lost in the last remaining rounds of the series. If you don’t stay consistent, you will watch a championship slip right through your fingers. Heading into Round 13, Sheldon Creed was sitting in a very vulnerable 3rd place position in the over-all points standings. With the 2011 and 2012 Pro Lite Champion sitting right in front of him in first and second, the pressure was on.
Qualifying in the second place position for Round 13, “The Prodigy” Sheldon Creed took the green flag at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in total darkness. Creed experienced a radio communication malfunction shortly after driver introductions took place. “The Prodigy” was left to figure it out all on his own and unable to communicate with Spotter Scott Creed. Green flag racing was underway and the entire Pro Lite Unlimited field made a mad dash for turn 1. Shortly into Lap 2, 2012 Pro Lite champion RJ Anderson made a costly mistake in front of Creed, which ultimately ended his day and moved Sheldon one position closer to the front of the field.
After the full course red flag caused by RJ Anderson’s crash, racing resumed in full chaos once again. Black and yellow flags added drama to the entire remainder of the race. Lap 10 was the changing point for Creed, after being shuffled as far back as fifth place. He had finally found the momentum needed and was able to work his way into the second place position after a long battle with Casey Currie and Chris Brandt. Creed held his position and found himself standing on the podium after a hard fought battle and a well deserved second place finish.

Round 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series was just as nerve-wracking as Round 13. It takes an entire season to build but can disappear in a matter of seconds. Talking about the hunt for a championship, “The Prodigy” Sheldon Creed knows how important Round 14 is to the entire OCCR crew.

Creed once again qualified 1st in the Pro Lite division and after pulling a fourth on the inversion, he started in the second row behind RJ Anderson and Bradley Morris.

When the green flag dropped it wasn’t long before Creed started making his move back up to the first place position where he feels most comfortable. Creed was able to make his way past RJ Anderson before the end of lap 2, however knew he still had a lot of racing left to do. Anderson and Creed battled back and forth between full course yellow cautions for the entire 14 lap main event. Nine laps into the race, Creed found himself in the number one position after a mishap by Bradley Morris.
Shortly after taking the lead, RJ Anderson would run Creed wide up against the wall forcing him to make a split second decision to play it safe and continue to the checkered flag. With two more yellow flags within two laps, Sheldon held onto 2nd place until the 2011 Pro Lite champion Brian Deegan was able to make a pass on the white flag lap leaving Sheldon to settle for a 3rd place finish.

Sheldon Creed left Sin City with two podiums, two fast lap awards, and positioned himself 2nd in the overall points standings.

As if two days of racing weren’t enough, Sheldon headed to Costa Mesa for a third race in Robby Gordon’s Stadium Super Trucks at the Sand Sports Super Show. Sunday’s race was full of carnage and definitely left the crowd pleased. Sheldon spent the majority of the race in the front, staying in the pack of Robby Gordon, Justin Lofton and BJ Baldwin, who stepped in to take over driving duties for Rino Navera. Robby Gordon launched his truck a bit too hard off the jump heading in to the sand and rolled, taking on heavy damage to the truck. Justin Lofton battled all the way back to finish second after pulling in to the pits on lap 5 for a fresh tire. But in the end it was Sheldon Creed who endured the rest of the field and earned his second SST victory of the season.

Sheldon Creed went on to say, “Going into the weekend I knew I had to finish strong in Las Vegas if I wanted to stay in the points race. Being able to podium both days at LOORRS and taking 1st on Sunday at SST was a better outcome than I could have hoped for and I couldn’t have done it without my awesome team and my great sponsors.”

Sheldon and team would like to thank their sponsors who help make racing possible:

About Off-Road Management Group:
Off-Road Management Group was formed as a result of a growing demand for a professional organization to design, build, manage and maintain off road race tracks and facilities that have been mismanaged and under-utilized. We bring a variety of events and opportunities to keep facilities and surrounding areas active, benefiting both local business and promoters. With over 30 years of experience, Off-Road Management Group offers a staff of professional track builders and event coordinators to help you create streamlined and enjoyable event experiences for participants, fans, promoters and facilities.

About Mad Media:
Mad Media (www.madmedia.com) is a San Diego based marketing and creative agency offering professional print, web, and film production. They specialize in producing culturally relevant brand messaging using professional athletes, musicians, and artists. Mad Media focuses on sports and cultures that they are passionate about, including skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross, FMX, BMX, off-road racing, rally racing, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock and Mixed Martial Arts. Mad Media has produced over twenty major commercial and viral film projects this year for clients such as Subaru of America, DC Shoes, Monster Energy Drink, and Harley-Davidson. Mad Media has been executing immersive marketing campaigns since 1996.

Check out this video of all kinds of off-road vehicles driving through water. This doesn’t really have much to do with lifted trucks, but most lifted truck owners can appreciate any type of vehicle driving through long stretches of water. The best part are the vehicles who get stuck, which is always fund to watch. Enjoy.

There is no better way to start the 543-mile long General Tire “Vegas to Reno” race than at the head of pack and dust free. And on this coming Wednesday, August 14th, 59 unlimited class cars and trucks will be competing for a chance to do just that and claim the “Team Ford” Pole Award.

Best in the Desert is desert racing’s only sanctioning body that holds Time Trials for the unlimited car and trucks at every one of their events and allows them an equal opportunity to compete head-to-head for the first starting position. At this year’s running of the famous General Tire “Vegas to Reno”, the Longest Off Road Race in the United States, an elite group of the greatest off-road racers in the world, 33 Class1400 Trick Trucks and 26 Class 1500 Unlimited Cars, will gather at a secret location in the desert outside of Las Vegas to determine who is the fastest one of them all.
Rob MacCachren has been a dominating force at the Time Trials as of late in his Trick Truck having claimed the pole position at six of the last nine events dating back to the 2012 Parker 425. Justin Lofton broke his streak at last May’s Silver State 300 in his Class 1500 unlimited car. But with a field of 59 of the sport’s fastest drivers battling each other and the scorching Las Vegas heat, anything can happen. With only one day separating Time Trials and the start of the race, how far do these drivers push themselves and their machines for the top starting spot? The winner of the Time Trials will be announced Wednesday evening at the Salted Lime Bar inside the Aliante Casino & Hotel.

Casey Folks, the director of Best in the Desert, stated, “One of our most popular events, “Vegas to Reno”, entices the world’s elite to take on a course that many will find the most challenging terrain in the world. And to maintain a pace for 543-miles is a tribute to not only the vehicles, but to the strength and endurance of these racing athletes. And, our 59 racers entered into qualifying will find themselves faced with a unique challenge when they start Time Trials this year!“

Another bonus by racing Best in the Desert is the “Team Ford” Pole Award, and the $1000 cash prize presented by Steve Olliges, owner of Team Ford Lincoln of Las Vegas. The cash along with a unique trophy is awarded to the fastest qualifier of the Time Trials held before each Best In The Desert race for the car and truck classes.

After Time Trials, the General Tire Vegas to Reno race festivities continue in North Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, August 15, with contingency and tech inspection at the Aliante Casino & Hotel. There you will see the most unbelievable display of state-of-the-art, high-tech cars, trucks, motorcycles, quads and UTVs that are built for racing today, not to mention the BEST off-road desert racers competing today. The race gets underway Friday morning, August 16. The race will end in Dayton, just south of Reno, Nevada. Due to the 543-mile long race course, a 24-hour time limit has been set, so racers will still be coming into the finish line Saturday morning. Competitors will then celebrate their accomplishments and collect their awards at the Grand Sierra Resort Saturday evening.
Complete Time Trials Event Entry List:
Trick Trucks – 33
Class 1500 Unlimited Cars – 26

Red Bull will be supporting contingency at the Aliante Station Resort & Casino in North Las Vegas, and also at the finish line at the Dayton, Nevada Event Center.

Best In The Desert is also fortunate to have some of the best companies in the off-road world as our sponsors. Thanks to Ford Motor Company, General Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Lucas Oil, KC HiLiTES, Fabtech, John Deere, Beta Motorcycles, Slime, McKenzies, Azunia Tequila, PCI Race Radios, Kartek, Rockwell Watches, Fall Advertising and Sportsman Cycle Sales.

Ford’s SVT Raptor is making waves this Christmas. Apparently kids all over the universe are begging Santa for a toy version of the gas guzzling, on/off road Ford truck. Ford signed a licensing agreement with some of the top toy makers, as well as video game makers. The toy companies, video game companies and of course Ford are cashing in on the successful design of the SVT Raptor.
Ford also reported an increase in sales of the popular vehicle of over 20%, with its top two selling months being October and November.
Fisher Price has just released a Ford SVT Raptor Power Wheels!
SoCal Says: Peace out, We are on our way to Walmart to pick up a Power Wheels…

When the 2012 Best In The Desert race season got underway at the Parker “425”, twenty of the world’s top Trick Truck drivers had signed up for the second annual Trick Truck Challenge. Each participating team kicked in a $6,000 fee towards bonus prize money to be paid out to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Trick Truck finishers in each of the six Best In The Desert races, plus a year-end bonus.

For 2012, Steve Sourapas walked away with the lion’s share of Trick Truck Challenge bonus money along with the beautiful trophy that goes to the overall winner. Going into the last race of the year, the Sourapas entry, driven by Rob MacCachren, sat eleven points behind the truck of Mark Weyhrich. In order to win the Trick Truck Championship and claim the top spot among the participating Trick Truck Challenge drivers, MacCachren had to finish first and have Weyhrich come in no higher than third place. When the checker flag fell at the end of the Henderson “250”, that’s exactly how they finished; Rob MacCachren first, Mark Weyhrich third. So when the total bonus money was added up, Steve Sourapas ended up the big winner, taking home $54,500 over the course of the year. Mark Weyhrich was second with $32,000. Other drivers that took home Trick Truck Challenge bonus money over the year included BJ Baldwin with $16,000, Juan Carlos Lopez with $7,000, and Adam Householder, Jason Voss, Rick D Johnson, and Steve Olliges each with $6,000.
Casey Folks, director of Best in the Desert, said, “This was our second running of the very popular Trick Truck Challenge, and I congratulate all the drivers for stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park.” He went on to say that he expects 2013 to be a banner year for Best In The Desert and the Trick Truck Challenge to get even bigger. The 2013 season is just around the corner, beginning with the legendary Blue Water Resort & Casino Parker “425” in Parker, AZ, February 1st thru 3rd along the beautiful Colorado River.

Smittybilt Winch
If you are a 4WD owner, chances are that you have heard of Smittybilt. If not, let me give you some background. Smittybilt actually began in 1956 under another name. It was first known as Rock-ett Products and it was founded by a man named Bill Smith (Smitty). It began as a small machine shop with a basic product line of after-market 4WD equipment. Smitty’s son, Tom, grew up working alongside his father in the shop which by this time was Smittybilt. Tom started creating products himself and even built the very first Nerf Bar side step as well as tubular Jeep bumpers.

In the 56 years since its inception, the Smittybilt product line has grown by leaps and bounds and now includes over 2000 specific part numbers. While we are not going to delve into the mass of parts made by them today, we will be talking about the Smittybilt winch.

X20 Winch
There are a total of 6 winches in this category. The X20 8 is for true off road enthusiasts and has an 8000 lb. line rating. The X20 8 Comp-Series adds to the X20 8. It is basically the same, but has both an aluminum fairlead as well as a synthetic rope. The X20 10 has a line capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. and the X20 10 Comp-Series has the same equipment with the addition of the aluminum fairlead and the synthetic rope. With the X20 12, you get up to 12,000 lbs. of line rating and for those truly serious off road people, there is the X20 15 which has a line rating of a whopping 15,000 lbs.

XRC Winch
All of the winches in this category have the same ratings as the ones we just discussed. The only difference in each of them is the difference between the X20 and the XRC. There is a slight difference in the line rating ratio and the size of the cable. There are six winches in this category too and they match the ones in the previous category just replacing the X20 with the XRC in the names.

XRC ATV Winch
Smittybilt offers 5 different winches in this category. The XRC 2.0 is a small 2000 lb. winch. The XRC 3.0 has a line rating of 3000 lbs. and so does the XRC 3.0 Comp-Series; the difference between the two being the aluminum fairlead and synthetic rope in the Comp-Series. The same principle holds true with the XRC 4.0 and the XRC 4.0 Comp-Series. Both have a line rating of 4000 lbs.

Off-road race vehicles have to deal with lots of dirt and hot air. So optimizing filtration and grabbing cold air to make more power are essential for a team like Off Track Motorsports, that’s run by John Mathews at Auburn Car Repair and Off Road. Mathews wanted a performance intake system for the FJ cruiser he drives in the Sportsman 1800 class, and Volant suggested he try the company’s air intake, equipped with the PowerCore filter. “We won two Bonneville Off-road Racing Association events last year, (Wendover 300 and Jackpot 250),” says Mathews. We then DNF’d at Vegas to Reno after a failed throwout bearing/clutch took us out around race mile 350.”

Mathews, teamed up with Volant after meeting them a vendor show and found out how the air intake and PowerCore filter works. The team was offered a system to try out and Mathews liked how it worked out. “We have had very good luck running the filters, and have had no engine issues or even really plugged a filter up,” says Mathews. “We ran V2R last year and changed the filter halfway through. I believe we ran one filter each for the prior 300 and 250 mile races. They would probably have lasted longer, but in all honesty, in this type of racing, we don’t leave that type of stuff to chance. We like to start each race with a fresh filter.

Along with team partner, David Zartman at 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine, Mathews uses their sponsorship and promotion of Volant to sell his customers on the products. “We do lots of diesel performance stuff in my shop, and the Volant is normally my first recommendation, strictly based on my personal experience with the filters,” He says. “I’m not a fan of the K&N filters, and simply explaining the differences between the styles of filters to my customers and my recommendation, is normally enough to sell my customers on the product.”

You can follow Mathews and his FJ Cruiser racing team on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/offtrackmotorsports, as they prepare for the next Best In The Desert (BITD) race from Vegas to Reno. For more information on Volant Cool Air Intakes, visit www.volant.com.

Supercross legend and off road star Jeremy McGrath is looking for help for his wife, Kim. She has been diagnosed with leukemia cutis, after battling breast cancer two years ago. Kim is currently undergoing chemotherapy and will require a bone marrow transplant. A fundraising and bone marrow drive are scheduled today from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park. Anyone wanting to help out or get involved can go to this web address: